Phonomena vs. AcousTech PH-1 phono pre amp?


Does anyone know if the Musical Surroundings Phonomena or the AcousTech PH-1 would be the best sound. I am looking to get a Music Hall MMF-7 with Goldring cartridge and will be using it with my Krell pre amp. I want to not be looking to upgrade and be a great match for this system. If you know of others I should consider for up to $1200, please suggest them to. Thank you for your input on this.
128x128krell1

Showing 1 response by blw

I have no particularly comparision data, but I have the Phonomena. It is quite adjustable, and should be able to match your cartridge. The Phonomena is what I'd call a good phono stage, in that it is fairly detailed and passes a fairly open sound with no boominess. I haven't compared it to anything you're after, but compared to the Jeff Rowland Cadence, it's much lighter in the bass, not as "black", and not as detailed. For the 6x in price differential, that's no surprise, I suppose. This is the only direct comparision I have.

Compared to a somewhat better cartridge (Benz Glider vs Benz Ace) the Aesthetix tube phono amp and a far more expensive table/arm (Basis 2500 vs Basis 1400), there's not much comparison. I heard more full-bodied tone throughout the range, significantly better dynamics, somewhat better blackness, increased "speed" and better detail. I'm not sure what I'd attributed that to, since there were a lot of changes.

Compared to the vastly less expensive Rotel RQ-970, there is also no comparison: the Phonomena has it in just about every sonic dimension, plus it also has the advantage of handling MC cartridge output. Again, for around a 9x difference in price, I'm not surprised at all.